Watch The Big Picture - Alexandria -- City of Understanding

Experience the American Journey through our country's visual heritage in this historical recording provided by the National Archives of the United States. From the U.S. Army's "The Big Picture" television series, 1950-1975. AN AMERICAN CITY SALUTES THE ARMY ON "THE BIG PICTURE" -- During this past summer, THE BIG PICTURE staff covered a very unusual activity in community relations, arranged by the Alexandria, Virginia, Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the Army's important contribution to the social and economic development of the city of Alexandria. To show the cordial relations that exist between the civilians and the soldiers who live as friendly neighbors in the area, host-narrator MSgt. Stuart Queen prepared a film treatment and requested cameramen from the Signal Corps' Photographic Agency in the Pentagon to "shoot the story." Alexandria's gesture in saluting the United States Army with a week devoted to expressions of friendly cooperation was a milestone in civilian-military relationships. Even more important, however, was the spirit behind it. This was a spirit that could be duplicated throughout the country wherever civilians live in close contact with the citizen-turned soldier. "Alexandria -- City of Understanding" is a quiet, yet sincere documentary which has focused on this historic city in such a way that one feels the presence of the great Washington and the humble Lee.

This historical recording from the National Archives may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material.

The content summary for this video is adapted from an historical description provided by the government agency or donor at the time of production release.